I am running the London Marathon 2025 in April to raise money for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

The charity has always being close to my heart and my partner and I have visited a number of times since moving to London in 2012. We are also avid watchers of the TV program - 'For The Love Of Dogs' that is based at Battersea Dogs Home.

During the pandemic, my partner and I joined the masses of people who were lucky enough to bring a 'lockdown' dog into their family home and it's safe to say that our lives are not the same since we found Nara, our beautiful little cocker spaniel.

We are both dog obsessed (as our friends and family know) and all our spare time now revolves around Nara - from making sure that she is well nourished, has plenty of extra-curricular activities to keep her entertained and we have even planned our wedding around her in Italy next year to make sure she is fully involved. It is quite ridiculous but we would not have it any other way!

There are a lot of dogs that aren't so lucky - that's where charities like Battersea Dogs and Cats Home plug the well needed gap to make sure that every dog (and cat!) has an opportunity at finding their forever family home and are not simply forgotten...

I would love to raise £2,000 for the charity and it really is a lifelong dream of mine to run the London Marathon on behalf of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home - I really appreciate any donation you can offer towards helping me reach this target.

Thank you,

Shaun